1. Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love is your first sewing book. What inspired the topic?

Everything we do in life has a story behind it. I wanted to capture some of the stories from my own life in a fun and meaningful way for my kids, to have and share later in their lives. I knew I wanted to write a story to go along with each pattern, and wanted the book to have the appeal of an old (but new) story book to be shared with loved ones while making their projects or giving them.

2. The variety of characters and elements in this book is incredible; do you usually design with someone specific in mind to give the toy to, or do these creations come to life as you sew?

Many of the patterns have been inspired by different people, places, or times in my life, as well as from my dreams. Some patterns have also been inspired by trends popping up all around, like the hot air balloon. I have never been in one and probably never will, but the beauty of them floating in the wild blue yonder is certainly tempting.

3. Do you have a favorite toy from this collection?

I’m not sure I can pick a favorite. I tell my girls that it’s not nice to pick favorites because it could make others feel left out. I will say that although some are easier and quicker to make than others, it doesn’t always mean I love those more. Many of these patterns I have held onto for years in the hopes of putting them all together in one book.

4. What was the biggest challenge for you while creating this book?

Keeping the family, church, and life balance was by far the hardest challenge. There were many days I woke up and fell asleep crying from the stress of deadlines and the feelings of being unbalanced in my life. I wondered often if I was doing the right thing, but couldn’t throw in the towel. I’m a perfectionist and wanted what was in my head to show in the book. For me that meant not just one gnome, but four, not just one mushroom or buoy, but multiples of each. I didn’t want the photos to be limited to single samples, so I made a ton of extra pieces for many of the patterns. Looking back, I wouldn’t do anything differently regarding the book or the samples, but would def bring in a sewing helper to help balance my time with my family.

5. Do you have any creative role models?

Other than my retired art teacher mom and my twin sister artist…there are a few designers I have kept tabs on since learning about them many many years ago. I discovered Heather Bailey and her invention, the Trash Ties™ when I invented the Tuck ‘n’ Go™. At the same time, I found her Nicey Jane™ and Pop Garden™ fabric lines which I still hoard in my studio. Around that same time a friend had told me about this fabric she saw recently and thought I’d like it. It was Amy Butler’s Midwest Modern™ fabrics, and yes, I hoard them too. In the past few years I’ve discovered SarahJane – she’s such a sweetheart and her fabrics are equally hoarded here. All three of them have inspired me for years to find my own voice.

6. Do your kids have a favorite toy that you’ve made (either from Sewing Tales to Stitch and Love or otherwise)?

They love all of the patterns but the Gnomes are most loved by all. When working on new patterns I don’t make anything with muslin (I guess you could say it annoys me because it is a boring color). I make all of my samples and patterns in beautiful fabrics, so my girls get to keep any “misfits” and love them despite their quirks! When a pattern works the first time, they are sad they don’t get to keep it.

7. In terms of being a published designer, what’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

I think the best advice I have ever gotten as an artist (not just a published designer) is to be true to myself. There are so many ideas out there, and so many artists are being copied left and right. We each have something to offer without having to copy someone else’s work. Learn new skills and techniques, but stay true to you and your own style. Be original so others can’t help but notice.

Paper It! 50 Home Decor and Gift Ideas Using Scrapbook Papers includes a wide variety of paper craft ideas that will help scrapbookers use up their leftover paper, and give paper crafters fresh and unique ideas. This paper crafting book includes 50 different craft projects that range from handmade gifts to home decor ideas. Each of the included projects in this craft book uses decorative scrapbook paper to either create or decorate each project. This book, from Martingale & Company, includes detailed pictures and instructions for each project featured in the collection. The difficulty of each project ranges from beginner to intermediate levels, making this book ideal for crafters of all skill levels.

Adventures in Pompom Land, by Myko Diann Bocek, includes 25 different ways to create cute projects from handmade pompoms. The majority of the projects included in this book demonstrate how to make miniature animals from pompoms, making this book an obvious choice for any crafter that loves cute and cuddly creatures. Each of the 25 different projects included in this book have a unique character. These pompom animals make wonderful ornaments, cake toppers, pincushions, home decor pieces, and so much more. Adventures in Pompom Land is an ideal tool for crafters that love working with wool, felt, and pompoms to create works of art. Many of the animals includes in this book are made using the needle-felting technique, which is a fun and easy-to-learn way to add legs, ears and more to you cute creations.

Some of the 25 projects that are detailed within Adventures in Pompom Land include a bluebird, a roguish fox, a baby bunny, an owl, a cute little pig, an adorable elephant, a raccoon, and many, many, more. With 25 different animals to choose from, you should be able to make a loved one’s favorite animal as the perfect handmade gift. In this book Myko Diann Bocek includes an introductory section, Pompom Making Essentials, which includes the basic skills needed to create pompom animals, and a crash course in needle felting. With only a few inexpensive materials needed to get started, this book is a wonderful way start a new hobby that won’t cost you too much. Plus, if you’re not new to these techniques, Adventures in Pompom Land is chock-full of crafty inspiration for animal fans that love to create. Learn to create cute creatures from pompoms and wool with this wonderful guide by Myko Diann Bocek.

Creative Lettering, by Jenny Doh, is split up into 16 different sections that feature hand lettering techniques and tips from 16 different artists. Each of the different styles and lettering techniques included in this book is presented to the reader in simple step-by-step processes. The 16 talented artists featured in this book come from a range of stylistic backgrounds including, calligraphy, painting, collage, card making, and graphic design. With such a wide range of styles and techniques to choose from, the reader is able to consider many different and unique perspectives on hand lettering. This book is a wonderful tool for crafters that depend upon narrative to bring their projects to life. Collagists, journalers, and mixed media artists will especially benefit from the knowledge that Creative Lettering has to offer.

Some of the different lettering styles that are included in Creative Lettering are doodle lettering, floral lettering, outside-in writing, feathered letters, and textured letters. Each one of the 16 different sections includes an explanation of the artist’s favorite tools, how to use them, and step-by-step directions on their favorite technique. These step-by-step instructions are accompanied by photographs which help describe each step in even more detail. There are also many other photos included in this book to serve as inspiration for the reader. With the help of Creative Lettering any crafter will be well on their way to adding creative and appealing narrative to their collages, handmade cards, banners, and more.

Anna Bondoc’s book, Simply Paper Cutting: Hand-Cut Paper Projects, contains 15 different paper cutting projects perfect for home decor, stationary, decorations, and gifts of all types. This book, from Design Originals, features the friendly and encouraging voice of an author who is well-suited and happy to teach her readers. Her designs have a bold and geometric style, giving them a distinctively sharp feel. The book is broken up into 4 chapters and a detailed introduction. The introduction section offers a guide on how to use the book, a getting started section, tools and materials portion, and a basic technique area. Each one of these introductory sections is designed to better transition the reader into the bulk of the book. With the help of Anna Bondoc’s eloquent introduction, a crafter of any skill level will be prepared to begin paper cutting.

The four main chapters in Simply Paper Cutting: Hand-Cut Paper Projects include, Tabletop Stationary, Gifts and Holidays, Wall Art, and Stationary. Each section includes three to four different paper cutting tutorials, supplying the reader with plenty of designs to work with. If you are looking for a simple guide to help you get started on paper cutting, or simply a source of paper crafting design inspiration, this book is the perfect tool for you.
From paper frames, ornaments and gift cards, to buntings, cupcake toppers and cake wraps, there are more than enough tutorials included in this book to demonstrate how to create any type of paper decoration you are in need of. You’ll be amazed by the amount of gorgeous decorations and gifts you will be able to construct using only a selection of decorative paper, a ruler and an X-Acto knife. With Simply Paper Cutting: Hand-Cut Paper Projects as your guide, you will be paper cutting your own works of art in no time at all

Do you find yourself weaving through tons and tons of jewelry and just never finding the right piece? I know I do! I have several outfits that are just screaming to be accessorized, but I just can’t find the right necklace or earrings to complete the look.

If this sounds familiar, you’re gonna want to check out the latest giveaway from FaveCrafts.com. Filled with artistic necklaces, rings, bracelets, and earrings, Metal Clay & Color: Inventive Techniques from 20 Jewelry Designers is an accessory lovers dream come true! Each designer provides their own works and breaks down their processes to make sure that people from multiple skill levels can attempt to create these beautiful pieces. The easy step-by-step tutorials alongside the inspiring mastery demonstrates how important it is to match your designs with the right materials.

If you love a look that’s uniquely all your own, you’re going to want to check out Metal Clay & Color. These patterns are unlike anything you’ll find in the stores and with the easy to follow directions, these patterns are great for crafters of all skill levels.

We’re giving away a copy of Metal Clay & Color, all you need to do is head on over to the giveaway page and register to win. You can enter to win once a day, so the more you return, the greater your chances of winning. You can also gain additional entries by talking about this giveaway on your blog, Facebook page, Twitter, and more! Get all the details here.

The Kawaii craze is one crafters know well, though maybe not by name. In Japanese, Kawaii means cute, adorable, or loveable. Look up “kawaii crafts” on Google and you’re sure to find sweet stuffed animals, little cupcakes with faces, and fun wearable accessories that mirror popular cartoon characters well known in Japan.

If you can’t help but love cute and adorable things, you’re going to want to cuddle up with Sew Kawaii!: 22 Simple Sewing Projects for Cool Kids of All Ages. This easy to read cute and fuzzy book is filled with great Kawaii projects that are sure to bring out the kid in anyone! I won’t ruin the surprises that await you in Sew Kawaii, but I will say that my favorite project, by far, involved a simply adorable squid dress!

The sewing projects in Sew Kawaii are geared towards beginners and intermediate sewers. Everything in this book can be done with ease and the directions for these 22 projects are extremely easy to follow and understand. This book would be a great guide if you’re making gifts for young boys and girls, babies, and even that quirky friend we all know and love! From keychains to capes, there’s literally something for everyone in Sew Kawaii!.

If you’re interested in winning Sew Kawaii, head on over to the giveaway page and sign up to win today. You have until May 1st to register, and you can enter to win once every day…so be sure to return often to improve your chances of winning this awesome book!

Every baker, cook, chef, and renegade foodie knows and loves The Joy of Cooking. It’s a staple in most kitchens, filled with all the recipes you could ever need to whip up dinner, breakfast, dessert, and much more. What The Joy of Cooking is to food lovers, Homemade: The Heart and Science of Handcrafts is to crafting. Filled with helpful hits, tips, and projects covering every realm of the crafting world, Homemadeis every crafter’s go-to guide for inspiration and creativity…and lucky for all of you, FaveCrafts is giving away one copy of Homemade…and trust us, this is one give away you won’t want to miss!

This book is particularly essential if you’re taking on a new crafting technique for the first time. For example, the chapter on beading includes a brief history of beading as a craft, the science behind its success as an art form, and tips on getting started with beading for the first time. Once you’ve read all about beading and learned about the most popular types of beads, you can pick from the list of 13 projects and create your very own beaded craft, with all the knowledge and skill of a pro beader!

With helpful illustrations, hints and tips, and personal stories scattered throughout this 770-page behemoth, you’ll be mastering everything from making bath oils to crocheting sock monkeys. There are literally hundreds of lessons jam-packed into Homemade, and if you’ve ever wanted to master a new skill, or learn all you can about something you love to do, starting your research with Homemade is the best decision you can make.

It is near impossible to cover everything that you’ll find in Homemade. With so many inspirational ideas, lessons, and crafty tips, this book is a must have for those who want to broaden their artistic horizons. If you’re interested in winning a copy of Homemade, be sure to visit the giveaway page and sign up to win! You can enter to win once a day, so return often to improve your chances of winning!

Question: Just recently, Encyclopedia Britannica announced it will no longer publish books, but go digital. Do you think art and craft books are headed in the same direction?

Answer: Radio was supposed to die when television was introduced and yet we still have plenty of radio stations broadcasting. Radio adapted, found niches, but like most publishing/broadcasting companies has to struggle to continue to grow and bring in profits. We have seen many crafting magazines disappear off the newsstands over the last few years again; I’d make a bet that advertising revenue just didn’t make the magazines profitable. All that said, I think that those who crave more knowledge about art and craft are very tactile people who probably enjoy holding a book while they read and learn. I think the publishers will be like the radio folks–adapt, find their niches, and continue to publish books. Those who live green, like taking books on the go, and enjoy not having to give up craft supply space will enjoy digitally available titles. My only fear with digital is that those who don’t want to invest (pay for books) will use the digital format to pirate said books.

Filled with 30 crafts and recipes themed in film noir, espionage, pulp fiction, murder, mafia mayhem, and voodoo magic, Criminal Crafts is a great book for those who love a little mystery and intrigue. You can make voodoo dolls, craft special glasses designed to help you watch your back, and create sinfully good cocktails and desserts, all with the help of this masterful book!

Broken down into clever chapters, like “Accessories to the Fact” and “Recipes for Disaster”, these fun thrifty projects pay homage to such notorious masterminds as John Dillinger, Bonnie Parker, Alfred Hitchcock and more. Each craft comes with full color how-to photos and a little description on how to use it. But no voodoo magic is necessary to get your hands on this treasure trove…all you need to do is visit FaveCrafts.com and sign up to win!

Jam packed with how-to’s on creating invisible ink, ransom notes, and secret pockets, as well as recipes for spiked drinks, cookies, and cakes to die for, Criminal Crafts is just the book to have on hand as an inspiration or an alibi, so be sure to sign up to win today!

You have until April 10th to get your hands on this crafty concoction of criminal crafts, so be sure to visit the giveaway page once a day to increase your chances of winning!

Full Project Tutorials

Having been short-of-leg for my entire life, I am no stranger to ill-fitting, too-long pants. Long inseams have plagued me since I started shopping for my own clothing, and I don’t foresee a reprieve any time soon. Back in the day I would merely roll the pants up and accept that the knees of my […]